Some of today’s traditional martial arts weapons were developed on the island of Okinawa in the 1600s. During that time period, the Japanese government had banned the use of weapons in Okinawa. In order to protect themselves, Okinawans turned some of their farming tools into weapons. These weapons included the tonfa, bo staff, nunchaku and kama.
Tonfa
The tonfa is basically a wooden club that has a small handle sticking out on one end. Tonfa are typically between 15 and 20 inches in length. Originally, the tonfa was used as a handle on millstones for grinding rice and soybeans. Okinawans created fighting techniques they could execute with the tonfa. It is a versatile weapon for offensive and defensive maneuvers. You can hold the tonfa across your forearm to block incoming blows. You can also strike with either end of the weapon. If you become proficient with the tonfa, you can rotate the handle in your hand and rapidly swing the long end at an opponent. You can use a tonfa in one hand or fight with one in each hand.
Bo Staff
The bo staff is a wooden stick that is typically between 5 and 6 feet in length. In Asian culture, the staff was originally used to carry buckets of water on each end. In battle, you can use a bo staff to keep an opponent at a distance. You can execute both blocking and striking techniques with the weapon. If you become skilled with the bo staff, twirl the staff at high speeds to disorient an opponent. Flashy bo staff maneuvers are frequently seen at martial arts tournaments.
Nunchaku
The nunchaku, often called nunchuks, consists of two short sticks connected by a small rope or chain. The nunchaku was originally used to thresh rice and soy in China. The farming tool was later used in Okinawa and eventually it became a formidable weapon on the island. It takes a significant amount of practice to become skilled with the nunchaku. You may hit your elbows or head several times during practice sessions. However, if you are proficient with the weapon, you can rapidly swing the nunchaku around your body and smack an opponent.
Kama
The kama is a sickle that was used by Okinawans to cut weeds and grass. The sharp blade on the kama made it useful as a weapon. The kama was also sometimes connected to a chain to increase the range of the weapon. You can do hooking or chopping strikes with a kama. You can also block an opponent’s attack with this weapon. Skilled kama practitioners can swing two kama around in propeller-like motions.
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